Can the police caution you without evidence?

The evidence required by the police to issue a caution is the same as would be required to take a case to court. So, if you refuse to accept a caution, the police could decide to refer your case to the Crown Prosecution Service who may decide to charge you and take you to court.

What happens if you get a police caution?

So even of your caution was for a minor common assault, or a minor theft, the police, if they feel the caution reveals facts that are relevant to your job application, then they may disclose relevant facts on your certificate.

When do police cautions no longer need to be disclosed?

Cautions will always be disclosed on standard and enhanced checks unless they’re eligible for filtering. If your caution is eligible for filtering then after the relevant period (6 years if you were over 18 when you received it and 2 years if under 18) it will be filtered from the standard/enhanced certificate and will no longer be disclosed.

Where does a caution show up on a criminal record?

Along with showing up on DBS checks, a caution will also show up on police certificate issued by ACRO Criminal Records Office. The Criminal Records Office issues certificates that are used by UK citizens looking to emigrate to foreign nations.

What happens if you refuse to accept a caution?

So, if you refuse to accept a caution, the police could decide to refer your case to the Crown Prosecution Service who may decide to charge you and take you to court. If you’re subsequently found guilty, you’re likely to receive a conviction which could have more severe implications than a caution.

How are cautions used in the criminal justice system?

Cautions (technically, “simple cautions”) are used by police to deal with low-level criminal offending, usually by first-time offenders. The caution is an ‘out of court disposal’. Use of a caution avoids the need to charge a person and initiate a prosecution, which is the route to a conviction.